In this episode of the Parallel Project Training Podcast, host Ruth Phillips is joined by Becky Willmott, Senior Training Consultant, to discuss their career journeys in project management in recognition of International Women's Day and its theme, "Give to Gain."

Becky shares how she entered project management through public procurement in the NHS, later moving into logistics and eventually becoming Head of a Project Management Office (PMO). The conversation highlights the wide variety of roles within project management, particularly the often-misunderstood role of the PMO. Rather than being purely administrative, PMOs provide vital support through governance, reporting, data analysis, and specialist expertise that enable project managers to deliver successful outcomes.

Ruth and Becky also explore the different career paths within the profession, from project coordination through to programme and portfolio management. They emphasise that project management offers a dynamic, flexible and highly transferable career, with opportunities across many industries.

The episode concludes with practical advice for anyone interested in starting or developing a career in project management, including gaining experience through workplace projects, exploring training and professional qualifications such as the APM Project Fundamentals Qualification, and taking advantage of networking opportunities within the profession.

Finally, the discussion looks ahead to the future of project management, considering how AI may reduce administrative workload and allow project professionals to focus more on leadership, stakeholder engagement, and organisational change—while also creating opportunities for greater diversity in the profession.

15. Ethics, Compliance and Professionalism - This podcast discusses the ability to work consistently in a moral, legal and socially responsible manner, and covers:

a) The importance of continuing professional development, which should cover both knowledge, skills and behaviours, and the individual's role in identifying and addressing their own competence gaps.

b) Knowledge of the sources of specialist advice and standards that need to be adhered to.

c) The impact of the legal and regulatory landscape on projects (such as the impact on working conditions, risk management, governance and sustainability).

14. Diversity and Inclusion - This podcast discusses the ability to build and maintain an inclusive environment that embraces a diverse culture, and covers:

a) Knowledge of diversity, including characteristics which may cause a person to be treated less favourably, such as: age, disability, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.

b) Why incorporating diversity into all parts of a project, from team members to customers, is a factor in creating a positive working environment and the importance of embracing diverse thinking in teams as a means of generating innovative solutions.

c) How conscious and unconscious bias can affect actions and how to treat people fairly, including adapting behaviours to support individuals' needs and facilitate their contributions.